Process Variablility

Tina Barker

Motivation Paper

University of Phoenix

Facilitator: Stewart Stanfield

May 19, 2007

Introduction

According to the text Organizational behavior (2005) motivation refers to forces within an individual that account for the level, direction, and persistence of effort expanded at work. There are several types of motivation theories, but only five of them will be discussed here. These theories include; Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, ERG, Two-Factor Theory, Equity Theory, and Expectancy Theory. Some of these theories will be put into action at the Farmhouse Market. The Farmhouse Market is a local grocery store with a small staff, which consists of mostly family members. The rest of the staff varies in age and gender.

Theories

First we will discuss the theories of motivation to see which of them will best fit the needs of the Farmhouse Market. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory offers a pyramid of physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs (Schermerhorn, 2005, p. 122). Alderfer's ERG theory identifies existence, relatedness, and growth needs (Schermerhorn, 2005, p. 123). Herzberg's two-factor theory identifies job context as the source of job dissatisfaction and job content as the source of job satisfaction (Schermerhorn, 2005, p. 124). Adams's equity theory posits that people will act to eliminate any felt inequity in the rewards received for their work in comparison with others (Schermerhorn, 2005, p. 126). Finally Vroom's expectancy theory argues that work motivation is determined by individual beliefs regarding effort/performance relationships and work outcomes (Schermerhorn, 2005, p. 127).

The Farmhouse Market has local farmers who supply the produce and flowers for the store. They have chosen to buy local in order to better serve and help the community.

Salespeople

Stephen Robbins (2006, p. 187) states that "individuals compare their job inputs and outcomes with those of others and then respond to eliminate any inequities." I think that this theory would work best for salespeople at the Farmhouse Market. They are able to watch each other work and see how they present themselves to customers. By comparing notes with each other they will be able to see how to better serve their customers. Although I also believe that the expectancy